Global Mobility Professionals: Quality Time, Building Relationships Vital for Tech Workforce in Silicon Valley

Corporate housing that meets the expectations of the tech workforce in Silicon Valley is par for the course. What concerns many now is how they can even enjoy their life, relationships and home, as many of them take home six figures. A  recent millennial graduate can actually ask for an annual six-figure salary if he is recruited by, say, Facebook, LinkedIn or Amazon.

Since they earn twice than that of their counterparts from other industries, many of the tech workforce may also have certain expectations for them to meet their standard of living. If you’re a global mobility professional intent on making these prized professionals happy upon their relocation in northern California, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. The less commute time the better.  Nobody likes crawling down highways on rush hour, but an unnecessarily longer and inconvenient commute time can become a serious problem for tech workers.  They want to hit the ground running once they are out of their apartment, and they don’t want to be bothered by congested roads or unfriendly cab drivers.  You should make sure that their new digs are really close to their new offices. Travel time should be 10 to 15 minutes, tops.
  2. Treat them like you would treat their beloved Stephen Curry.  They may not have a lot of time to party, but they do want to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their inner scientist, trained to maximize resources, may frown on excess, but they do relish savoring their competitive edge. Their accommodations should evoke style and class, without being stiff or too formal. Don’t blow the budget on interior decoration, but a cozy, relaxing living room set where they can stretch out and decimate a few virtual dragons on their video games, will allow them to make the best coffee with a Nespresso or test out a new VR headset, among other things.  Anything you can help to get them going into the Internet Of Things, should do the trick.
  3. Invite them to savor the treats that the best NorCal destinations can offer.  Beyond offering them great accommodations, it’s important for you to know how your assignees like to spend their downtime. This will help you get to know them really well. Make sure to test the restaurants, art museums, amusement parks, and that long sandy coastline surrounding the area you think will be the best place for them. Have a solid idea of their interests and hobbies before selecting their apartment.
  4. Surround them with a community that supports their relationship goals.  Tech people want to connect with kindred spirits they will bond with when they disengage from their machines. Those with families will prefer to live in areas near schools, day care centers, sports clubs, and headquarters of civic associations or youth groups. They will want to bond with their spouses and kids after work.  Single assignees, however, will want to date. Choose housing areas near posh restaurants, private cafes, clubs, and the hottest bars.  Hint:  Most of the highly paid members of the workforce are single — and male.